MODESTO, Calif. — Levi Leipheimer bumped wheels with Lance Armstrong, but recovered to maintain his lead after Thor Hushovd won the third stage Tuesday in the Tour of California.
Hushovd claimed the 101- mile stage from San Jose to Modesto in 4 hours, 28 minutes and 12 seconds, after which two-time winner Leipheimer remained 24 seconds ahead of Australian Michael Rogers.
Armstrong, who began the day fourth overall, finished in the main group with Leip-heimer and remained 30 seconds behind his teammate.
Leipheimer and numerous other riders crashed when he and Armstrong bumped wheels, but Leipheimer received a new bike and quickly returned to the field.
“It was my fault,” Leip-heimer said. “Usually, you can put your foot down, but not today. I just didn’t concentrate for a second. I landed on my butt. It hurts, but nothing’s broken, so it’s no big deal.”
